HURRICANES HOLD SECOND-TO-LAST MORNING PRACTICE
Aug. 18, 2007
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – Day 15 of the University of Miami training camp wrapped up with another early morning session that was delayed 15 minutes due to lightning in the area. The Hurricanes endured another short but physical practice at the Greentree Practice Fields.
“It was a good workout having just coming off a two-a-day,” UM head coach Randy Shannon said. “We worked on a couple of specific situations. Guys had fun today. If we keep the enthusiasm day-in and day-out, we’re going to fine.”
The Hurricanes worked on kickoff coverage and returns before breaking into their regular practice schedule. A couple of long field goals from Daren Daly and Francesco Zampogna also highlighted early morning work.
Shannon assessed his team exactly two weeks from the season opener: “We’re on a steady pace right now. We’re doing all the things we can get done. You don’t ever want be a great until the end of the season. You want to have corrections every week that you can get better on. At this point in time, physically, they’re doing a great job of sustaining. We haven’t had a day off and they’re pushing through it and fighting through it. They’re not tired. They’re kind of fresh. They’re upbeat. As long as they keep that going into the first game, they’re going to be fine.”
Cornerback Randy Phillips did not practice on Saturday, but is expected back for UM’s final scrimmage Monday.
The team will hold its final morning practice of the preseason at 7:50 a.m. Sunday.
Notes:
Moncur Compliments Campbell
Junior defensive end Eric Moncur has enjoyed another good preseason camp for the Hurricanes. Moncur opened up the 2006 season starting opposite of Calais Campbell along the defensive line. “He’s a tremendous asset to what we’re trying to do as a team,” Shannon said. “With his enthusiasm and how powerful he is, he can play the run game. We’re excited about what he’s doing and how competitive he is.”
Big Difference in the Kicking Game
This season, kickoffs have been moved back five yards, so teams will now kickoff from the 30-yard line. Shannon believes that is a big difference when it comes to field position. “If somebody shanks a kickoff, say it goes out of bounds at the 40-yard line, you get an extra five yards. So now you’re starting at the 45-yard line. That’s going to be valuable on field position. You have to have a great kickoff team. Then the return team automatically is going to get it past the 30 (yard line). Now, you have to get guys who can try to down it inside the 25 inside the 20.”
Two Weeks Until the Season Opener
Hurricanes fans can purchase single-game tickets, a four-game Mega-Plan or season tickets through the month of August. Single-game tickets are $47 each, while the Mega-Plan, which includes a reserved ticket to the Texas A&M game and three other home games of choice, is $160 per pack ($7 savings per ticket ). Season tickets start as low as $190, which is only $27 per game. Tickets can be purchased at www.hurricanesports.com or by calling (305) 284-CANES in Miami-Dade or (800) GO-CANES outside of Miami-Dade. The Hurricanes open the season on September 1 against Marshall in the Orange Bowl.
